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Do veterinarians need a laboratory diagnosis before writing a VFD?
Next QuestionNext QuestionNo. FDA looks to the veterinarian’s clinical judgment but will expect that a legitimate vet-client-patient relationship exists. Next Question
Is the feed mill responsible for ensuring that a VFD is valid?
Next QuestionNext QuestionAll parties involved — poultry veterinarians, producers and feed mills — share the responsibility of ensuring VFDs are lawful. Next Question
How often is a poultry veterinarian expected to visit a farm to establish and maintain a vet-client-patient relationship?
Next QuestionNext QuestionThe answer is complicated, but most likely, at least every 6 months.
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Where should integrated poultry companies keep VFDs if they keep hard copies only?
Next QuestionNext QuestionThe vet should have the original and the producer and feed mill should each have a copy. Next Question
Can integrated poultry companies keep one copy of each VFD since they represent the producer, feed mill and veterinarian?
Next QuestionNext QuestionYes — if they use an electronic system enabling ready access to VFDs by the producer, veterinarian and feed mill. Next Question
Do distributors have to obtain an acknowledgement letter for every shipment of VFD feed?
Next QuestionNext QuestionNo, as long as they have an ongoing relationship with the distributor they’re shipping to. Next Question
How long do distributors have to retain acknowledgement letters?
Next QuestionNext QuestionFor 2 years from the date of the last shipment distributed under the acknowledgement letter. Next Question
What’s the purpose of an acknowledgement letter sent from one distributor to another?
Next QuestionNext QuestionIt lets VFD feed move through distribution channels without a VFD or before a VFD is required.
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What’s an acknowledgement letter?
Next QuestionNext QuestionDistributors buying Type B or C feed with a VFD drug send a letter to their distributor stating the feed won’t be fed to animals without a VFD.
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If one feed mill produces VFD feed going to multiple farms owned by the same company, are multiple VFDs needed?
Next QuestionNext QuestionNo, as long as the feed is coming from the same mill and the locations are identified on the VFD form, one VFD is okay. Next Question
Are producers manufacturing their own feed for use on their own farms considered distributors?
Next QuestionNext QuestionNo. If they aren’t selling VFD feed, they aren’t considered a distributor but will need VFDs before feeding VFD feed. Next Question
How often does a distributor selling Type B or C feed with a VFD drug have to notify FDA?
Next QuestionNext QuestionOnly once. A new notification must be sent though if their address or ownership changes. Next Question
What’s the purpose of the notification letter distributors must send FDA if they’re selling Type B or C feed containing a VFD?
Next QuestionNext QuestionIt lets FDA know who’s out there distributing this type of feed. Next Question
How can producers best be prepared for an FDA VFD-inspection?
Next QuestionNext QuestionDon’t feed VFD feed without a completed VFD and have completed VFD forms accessible to show an inspector. Next Question
How can feed mills best be prepared for VFD-inspection?
Next QuestionNext QuestionHave valid VFDs from a veterinarian for all VFD order they fill and make sure they can access those VFDs to show an inspector. Next Question
How can veterinarians be prepared for a VFD-compliance inspection?
Next QuestionNext QuestionOnly write VFDs in context of a vet-client-patient relationship; make sure VFD forms are complete and available to show an inspector. Next Question
Is there a specific way FDA wants veterinarians to document a clinical diagnosis before writing a VFD?
Next QuestionNext QuestionNo, but FDA expects documentation will be maintained and that it adheres to standards of veterinary practice. Next Question
In large operations with more than one feed mill, are separate VFDs needed to cover VFD feed from each mill?
Next QuestionNext QuestionYes. There should be separate VFDs for VFD feed coming from each mill. Next Question
How should leftover feed mixed with VFD medications be handled?
Next QuestionNext QuestionProducers should follow their state or local requirements for disposal of medicated feed. Next Question
Do VFD forms have to specify the feed mill?
Next QuestionNext QuestionNo. Veterinarians are not required to specify the feed mill on the VFD. Producers may use the feed mill of their choice. Next Question
If there are flocks at multiple locations, are separate VFD forms needed for each location?
Next QuestionNext QuestionNo. Veterinarians can write one VFD for flocks in multiple locations, but the feed order should be supplied by one mill and its use must be the same for all animals. Next Question
Are VFD educational materials available in Spanish?
Next QuestionNext QuestionNo. VFD brochures and other documents from FDA are available only in English. Next Question
I have more questions about the VFD that are specific to my situation. Where can I turn?
Next QuestionNext QuestionSubmit your questions directly to FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine by emailing AskCVM@fda.hhs.gov Next Question
Is a VFD the same as a prescription?
Next QuestionNext QuestionNo. A VFD is for medically important antibiotics given in feed. Prescription medications are those requiring veterinary oversight but are not given in feed. Next Question
Does the new VFD rule affect how over-the-counter (OTC) antibiotics are regulated?
Next QuestionNext QuestionNo. Nothing in the VFD rule changes how OTC medications are regulated. Next Question
Do producers need to submit a copy of every VFD to FDA?
Next QuestionNext QuestionNo, but producers need to have completed VFD forms available for 2 years in case an FDA inspector asks to see them. Next Question
Under the new rules, can any in-feed antibiotics for poultry still be used to improve feed efficiency and weight gain?
Next QuestionNext QuestionYes. Bacitracin and bambermycins are not deemed medically important by FDA. As such, they may retain their performance claims. Next Question
Will all-in feed antibiotics require a VFD?
Next QuestionNext QuestionNo. Only in-feed antibiotics deemed medically important by FDA are affected. Ionophores, bacitracin and bambermycins will not require VFDs. Next Question
Does a feed mill need to be in either the same state as birds receiving a VFD medication or the veterinarian issuing the VFD?
Next QuestionNext QuestionNo. The feed mill does not have to be in the same state as the birds receiving the VFD medication or the veterinarian issuing the VFD. Next Question
Does the new VFD rule affect medications produced abroad?
Next QuestionNext QuestionYes. All feed medications licensed for use in the US are subject to the same VFD requirements, regardless of where they are manufactured. Next Question
Can feed manufacturers use generic substitutions for brand-name veterinary feed directive drugs?
Next QuestionNext QuestionYes, generic VFD drugs can be used unless the veterinarian indicates on the VFD that a substitution is not allowed.
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Can a VFD be filled if the VFD form isn’t completed?
Next QuestionNext QuestionNo, VFD drugs cannot be used unless the veterinarian has completely filled out the VFD form. Next Question
Are refills permitted for a VFD drug?
Next QuestionNext QuestionYes, refills (reorders) are an option if expressly permitted for the drug and the veterinarian authorizes them. Learn more. Next Question
What does “approximate number of animals” mean on the VFD form?
Next QuestionNext QuestionThe approximate number of animals on a VFD is the potential number of animals and production class to be fed the VFD drug or VFD drug combination. Next Question
Will the use of medically important antibiotics in water require a VFD?
Next QuestionNext QuestionNo, a VFD is for in-feed antibiotics deemed medically important by FDA. However, water-administered medically important antibiotics will require a veterinary prescription. Next Question
How will I know which medications require a VFD?
Next QuestionNext QuestionCheck the product’s label, which will indicate if a VFD is required. Next Question
Are producers responsible for providing a copy of the VFD order to the feed mill?
Next QuestionNext QuestionYes, if the issuing veterinarian asks the producer to provide a copy of the order to the feed mill. Next Question
Will all feed medications for poultry require a VFD?
Next QuestionNext QuestionNo, only in-feed medications deemed medically important by FDA will require a VFD. Next Question
What poultry feed medications will not require a VFD?
Next QuestionNext QuestionBacitracin, ionophores, synthetic anticoccidials and bambermycins are not considered medically important to humans by FDA and, as such, won’t require a VFD. Next Question
Who determines whether a drug is a VFD, a prescription (Rx) or an over-the-counter (OTC) drug?
Next QuestionNext QuestionFDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine decides whether drugs are a VFD drug, an Rx drug or an OTC drug. Next Question
What is a “combination VFD”?
Next QuestionNext QuestionWhen at least one medication in an approved combination is a VFD drug, FDA considers it a combination VFD. Next Question
How long do VFDs have to be retained?
Next QuestionNext QuestionVeterinarians must keep their original VFD and producers and feed mills must retain their copies for 2 years.
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Will FDA conduct inspections to ensure compliance with the VFD rule?
Next QuestionNext QuestionTo check on compliance, FDA says it will engage in general surveillance and “inspection assignments."
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What happens to veterinarians who do not comply with the VFD rule?
Next QuestionNext QuestionIf veterinarians do not comply with the VFD rule, their license could be at stake or FDA may act to enforce compliance. Next Question
Is the VFD’s date of expiration the calendar date or the number of days a VFD drug should be used?
Next QuestionNext QuestionThe expiration date on a VFD is the calendar date or the last date the VFD drug can be fed, not the number of days a VFD drug can be fed. Next Question
On the VFD form, what’s the difference between a medication’s “duration of use” and “expiration date”?
Next QuestionNext QuestionDuration of use on a VFD refers to the number of days a VFD drug can be fed. The expiration date indicates the last calendar day a VFD drug can be administered. Next Question
What happens if a VFD expires before the medication’s recommended duration of use?
Next QuestionNext QuestionA veterinarian will need to issue a new VFD. Next Question
Can VFDs be issued for purposes that are not on a product’s label?
Next QuestionNext QuestionNo, “extra-label” use of feed medications is not permitted under the VFD rule. Next Question
Who is responsible for sending VFDs to the poultry producer and feed mill?
Next QuestionNext QuestionThe veterinarian provides copies to the poultry producer and feed mill, although the feed mill’s copy may be sent via the producer.
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In the interest of time, can a VFD be issued verbally?
Next QuestionNext QuestionNo, veterinarians are required to complete a VFD form and distribute it to the producer and feed mill. Next Question
Can a veterinarian send a text or email approving a drug and follow up later with a VFD?
Next QuestionNext QuestionNo, VFD medications cannot be used without a completed VFD form. Next Question
Can any veterinarian issue a VFD?
Next QuestionNext QuestionNo, an established veterinarian-client-patient relationship (VCPR) is a prerequisite for issuing a VFD. Learn more.
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How do I know whether the state or federal VCPR definition applies regarding VFDs in my state?
Next QuestionNext QuestionCheck the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine list.
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I only want to use the medication to improve growth and feed conversion, not to manage disease. Is a VFD still required?
Next QuestionNext QuestionMedically important in-feed drugs — VFD drugs — will not be used for performance. Bacitracin and bambermycins aren’t VFD drugs and will retain performance claims.
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